Just bought 2002 solara HELP ME!

[Solarachick]

I recently purchased a 2002 a couple weeks a go it has 141,000k .
Just wondering if these cars need any certain service besides a basic tune up ??
Just did an oil change full synthetic + new spark plugs only.
Pass smog no engine light but car takes about 2-3 times to start
Belt makes noise when ac is on wondering if it needs to be replaced.??

Thanks

[Down2TheC]

If it doesn't look ripped up or rotted, try some belt dressing on that belt before replacing.

[Solarachick]

If it doesn't look ripped up or rotted, try some belt dressing on that belt before replacing.

Thank u very much i will definitely have to check it out !

[Black Bob]

Firstly, does it looked like the belt was changed around 41k miles ago, if not--replace. If replaced, common preventive maintenance is to also replace the water pump when replacing the belt (it prevents you from paying labor twice).

When you say, 2-3 times to start do you mean the engine doesn't 'turn over' at all or it 'turns over' but just doesn't start? My 115k mile Gen 2 'Lara didn't start but did turn over after 1-2 twist of the key on sporadic occasions but I chalked it up to injector age/combustion buildup and not starter issues but it ALWAYS started. You might try SeaFoam treatments, I never personally used the product but alot of members here swear by that product.

[TLMNICK]

Welcome

Is your car a 4-cyl, or a V6? I can't really imagine why it wouldn't want to start on the first try, but given the age, and mileage, I would be tempted to give the car a full tune up. Oil, filter, air filter, plugs, plug wires, throttle body clean, Sea-foam through the intake manifold, and possibly a timing belt if that hasn't been done yet. As for the belt squeal, if the belt isn't that old, it's possible that whoever changed it didn't quite tighten it enough.

[Solarachick]

Firstly, does it looked like the belt was changed around 41k miles ago, if not--replace. If replaced, common preventive maintenance is to also replace the water pump when replacing the belt (it prevents you from paying labor twice).

When you say, 2-3 times to start do you mean the engine doesn't 'turn over' at all or it 'turns over' but just doesn't start? My 115k mile Gen 2 'Lara didn't start but did turn over after 1-2 twist of the key on sporadic occasions but I chalked it up to injector age/combustion buildup and not starter issues but it ALWAYS started. You might try SeaFoam treatments, I never personally used the product but alot of members here swear by that product.

It only happens on occaision say it starts and it seems like it just wants to die out!!
hasnt been doing it to me recently!!
THanks for your advice

[Solarachick]

Welcome

Is your car a 4-cyl, or a V6? I can't really imagine why it wouldn't want to start on the first try, but given the age, and mileage, I would be tempted to give the car a full tune up. Oil, filter, air filter, plugs, plug wires, throttle body clean, Sea-foam through the intake manifold, and possibly a timing belt if that hasn't been done yet. As for the belt squeal, if the belt isn't that old, it's possible that whoever changed it didn't quite tighten it enough.

I just changed oil filter !! i have a K&N air filter and cleaned that out did oil + plugs not wires !

Appreciate the help!

[chriscarter]

Replace the belt(s)

Put a bottle of Fuel System Cleaner in a full tank of gas.

Check air and fuel filters.

Replace timing belt and idler pulleys as insurance (if you have a V-6).

Stick with synthetic oil.

Flush coolant if discolored or has an "off" smell.

[Solarachick]

Replace the belt(s)

Put a bottle of Fuel System Cleaner in a full tank of gas.

Check air and fuel filters.

Replace timing belt and idler pulleys as insurance (if you have a V-6).

Stick with synthetic oil.

Flush coolant if discolored or has an "off" smell.

Thanks and i was wondering if cai help with fuel efficiency?

[chriscarter]

cai ?

[1gSE]

cai = cold air intake. I'm not sure how much it would increase fuel efficiency (assuming you don't change your driving style)...most people's mileage goes down because they get on the gas more often to hear that V6 sing to them. But in theory, it should improve since it's less restrictive than the factory intake, but there really isn't any solid data except for guestimating

[chriscarter]

Agreed. Actually, cleaner intakes and free-flow exhausts do improve engine efficiency and therefore mileage. However, anyone installing these items is looking for better performance, and will drive more "spiritedly" once they are installed. That's where you lose mileage.....when you really put your foot into it.

[Solarachick]

cai ?

Cold air intake?

[chriscarter]

see above post, Solarachick...


After driving since your initial post, is your car running and starting more smoothly?

[chriscarter]

You still haven't told us if you have a 4-cyl or a V-6. Makes a difference in lotsa areas.

BTW...I'm working on a modification for the V-6 air intake system that will use a K&N tapered cone filter and retain all vacuum/breather inlets. Will be slightly more restrictive that the Injen aluminum tube, but should save you about $140. Stay tuned.

Sorry, don't own a 4-cyl, late model Toyota, so I can't come up with one for that........yet.